Father John A. Ziegler, pastor of St. Patrick Church in Fredericksburg, delivered an opening invocation at the Virginia House of Delegates in Richmond March 11.
“Look with favor upon the distinguished men and women of this honorable assembly, house of delegates, representing the great people of the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he prayed. “Fill them with your wisdom, send your spirit upon them to guide them in their deliberations today and the days ahead, that they may act in accordance to your holy will in their service to your people.”
He prayed that the delegates would “defend and protect life at every stage, especially those who are the most vulnerable and defenseless among us, to defend the free exercise of religion of its citizenry, and to preserve them from any unwarranted intrusion on their rights, to defend and support marriage so that families who are the backbone of society may prosper.”
Father Ziegler said the prayer was well received among the delegates. He said that in a political culture that often undermines church teaching, “I thought it important to remind the distinguished men and women of that assembly that all authority on earth comes from God and that each of us must one day render to Him an account of how we have used that authority.”
Full invocation
“Lord, we are here today to praise, adore and love you, one true God, Creator of all that is, and thank you for the many blessings you’ve bestowed upon us all and upon this great country in which we are blessed to live. Look with favor upon the distinguished men and women of this honorable assembly, house of delegates, representing the great people of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Fill them with your wisdom, send your spirit upon them to guide them in their deliberations today and the days ahead, that they may act in accordance to your holy will in their service to your people. Lord God, all authority on earth comes from you. May those who minister in the sanctuaries like myself be true in proclaiming your word, and likewise those who serve in the halls of government act in accordance with your will, each of us remembering the account we must one day render to you, Lord God. Of these distinguished men and women and their work to promote the common good, especially to defend and protect life at every stage, especially those who are the most vulnerable and defenseless among us, to defend the right of the free exercise of religion of its citizenry, and to preserve them from any unwarranted intrusion of their rights, to defend and support marriage so that families who are the backbone of society may prosper and their children grow to enjoy the rights which you, Lord, confer upon your sons and daughters — help them to promote the meek integrity of every human being made in your own image and likeness. Finally, I pray that you send your Holy Spirit upon these, your servants, that they may act and work with respect toward one another. While disagreements at times are inevitable, help them to work toward unity and undo any unnecessary bonds of strife. Confirm these, your servants, in your peace, let your light shine upon them. O Lord, let the dawn from on high break upon us all, ‘to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ We ask this through Christ, Our Lord, amen.”
